Abbey Gate College Broadsheet - Winter 2022

Welcome to our Broadsheet for the Winter Term of 2022.

Twelve months ago, if you recall, national headlines were speculating whether families would be able to come together at all for Christmas, as uncertainty around the actual status and risk of COVID prevailed. And while present media reports are now focused on different concerns, one may hope that we have not simply moved on from what has been and are looking to celebrate, in this season’s arguable excess of commercialism and consumption, a perceived return to a previous normal, to which we feel somehow entitled. The pandemic created a pause for us all, a reminder not to take things in life for granted, and a humbling lesson for humanity about who we are as a species on this planet that we all share. If simpler pleasures and gentle gratitude define more this year’s Christmas, then our progress and evolution may be more appropriate and sustainable.

Undoubtedly, as a College, this first term has been filled with a whole host of moments and memories for our pupils and staff, many of which were simply not possible during the context of recent years. And this Broadsheet provides a highly enjoyable overview and summary, both for us to appreciate now and also to serve as a historical record in the years to come.

For me, notable highlights have been some of the enthusiastic and valuable discussions with our new Heads of School, as well as with other pupils who are part of our growing Student Agencies for ‘Self’, ‘Service’, and ‘Sustainability’. The more that our own pupils are a genuine part of our whole College’s on-going journey of development and improvement, the better, and there is undoubtedly so much that they can helpfully contribute.

This term, we also bade farewell to some much-valued colleagues, as well as welcoming new ones.

A particular mention is deserving to Mrs Storrar, who leaves our PE department after 16 years of dedicated and memorable service. She is pursuing a personal, life ambition as her next step, which we can only applaud; undoubtedly, though, we will miss her, as we wish her well.

Thank you for all of your support this year. My family and I send you all warm and sincere wishes for a restful and enjoyable Christmas.

With every kind regard

2022 EXAM RESULTS Despite national headlines reporting a reduction of ‘top’ grades as exam procedures return to the pre-pandemic norm, the College again saw results for both GCSE and A levels actually improve against last year’s.

Over a quarter of all GCSE grades were at 9 or 8 and about half were at 9, 8 or 7. One in four students achieved eight or more Grade 9/8/7 across all subjects.

As a smaller, nurturing, independent school, we are justifiably proud of the improvement in GCSE results, with students across the board gaining substantially higher outcomes than national, standardised predictions would expect. Several gained at least at least a full grade higher in each subject, and some as much as three grades higher!

This is a fantastic achievement that demonstrates the hard work, commitment, and resilience of the pupils and staff.

Reflecting on this, Head Mr Jenkinson said: “I am so pleased for all of our pupils. They have had to manage many uncertainties and challenges during their GCSE years, and to finish this stage of their education so strongly reflects very well on their collective determination, perseverance, and effort. Their teachers have supported and taught them so diligently throughout, and I know that they are also delighted with these results.

It is testament to the Abbey Gate College ethos that so many of this year group return in our Sixth Form, where they will benefit from our enriched programmes of study and personal development, within a personalised context and upgraded facilities.”

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A DAY OF AWE AND WONDER Just before the Half Term break, the Infant and Junior children took part in a day exploring the concept of ‘Awe and Wonder’. The children worked in their class groups exploring a variety of topics and questions such as: • What makes us feel awe? • What are our big questions in life?

• Why do we like to find answers? • What makes something sacred?

• Why is feeling awe important? • Why and how is wonder good for me?

• How can I bring more awe and wonder into my life?

Lessons encouraged pupils to engage with their sense of curiosity, iynviting and exploring the feeling of awe and wonder in our everyday lives. They reflected on the sensations of awe whilst exploring some of the triggers for this feeling, focusing in particular on our emotional responsesto the world around us.

They were encouraged to ask big questions and feel engaged and confident with the idea of the ‘unknown’, learning to embrace the mystery and magic of life as something to cherish and treasure.

Lessons invited practices for recognising and appreciating wonder in the everyday as well as the wider world.

It truly was a fantastic day of learning and exploration.

NEWS FROM THE TRIP TO MANCHESTER BRIDGEWATER HALL On 22nd September, music students from Years 11, 12 and 13 enjoyed an evening concert at Manchester's Bridgewater Hall.

The first half of the program contained Ravel's stunning 'La Valse' as well as a world premiere of a modern string piece 'Concerto for Cello and Strings' written by Dobrinka Tabakova, a British based composer in her early 20's.

With varied orchestral textures and interesting and creative timbres, Tabakova's use of the ensemble was fascinating to watch and listen to.

In the second half of the concert we listened to Tchaikowsky's 'Symphony Pathetique'. Although titled 'Pathetique' this is actually a mis-translation and it should actually read Passionate, and Passionate it was.

First conducted by the composer himself, eight days before his death, it is still striking and beautiful today.

One of the students who attended the concert writes: ‘Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique was a delight to listen to performed by the Hallé Orchestra under the direction of conductor Delyana Lazarova. As a first time listener to Tchaikovsky’s last symphony, I was overwhelmed by the diverse shapes and colours the Hallé portrayed throughout the four movements. The mystery and wonder created made me reflect on the intense conversation between the bassoons and the violas during the first movement.

Moving into the second movement, the theme passed between the strings and woodwind was full of clarity and energetically developed in the middle section from major to minor keys. The reoccurring theme was reintroduced at the end of the movement and was closed by the woodwind with great precision.

The performance was flawless in the faster third movement, and the orchestra maintained a sense of excitement and accuracy throughout. Finally, the last movement showed emotional intensity inspired by the committed conductor, Lazarova, concluding a memorable and admirable performance. ‘ Henry G-H (Year 11) MODERN COMPOSER CONDUCTING MASTERCLASS On 6th November, modern composer Philip Stopford visited the school to work with the choir and Sixth Form music students leading a conducting workshop.

He taught the students principals of conducting, including how to do a basic conductors beat and how to then embellish it too. He got them using their hands independently and showed them how subtlety of gesture and nuance can influence the sound.

He then finished the workshop by conducting the choir himself, leading them in one of his own compositions that is a firm favourite amongst the singers.

His personable attitude and lively manner made for a memorable occasion, and we hope he can come again next year!

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MUSIC DEPARTMENT YEAR 7 INSTRUMENTAL INITIATIVE This year our Year 7 cohort have had the opportunity to take part in a new instrumental initiative where pupils were invited to learn an instrument for free for six weeks. This enabled them to try something new and something that they might otherwise not have had the opportunity to experience.

The instruments were generously provided to the College via the ‘Founders Fund’.

Picture 1: Year 7 pupils enjoying a music lesson in the highly successful instrumental trial scheme with our strings teacher Mr Modelski.

Mr Modelski also rehearses the Year 7 Orchestra, newly formed to run in parallel with the scheme.

Picture 2: an enjoyable rehearsal with the orchestra.

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Pictures 3 & 4: All lessons are delivered by the skilled team of peripatetic teachers in small groups, such as these 40 minute woodwind lessons in progress.

MUSIC SCHOLARS SUPPORT BRUERA CHURCH EVENSONG SERVICE Our Music Scholars' group, Quod Aliquis, supported Bruera Church in mid November, singing their evening service.

The music was: 'Magnificat and Nunc dimittis, Purcell in G minor', with the anthem 'Lay a Garland' by Robert Lucas de Pearsall.

The Canticles were conducted by Joe Martin - one of our Sixth Form leavers from last year, who has started his music degree in Manchester this September.

Following the service, the vicar of Bruera Church spoke with high praise of our pupils performance; ‘I just wanted to say a big thank you to you and the choir for a wonderful evening on Sunday.

They are such a talented group, and it was good to be able to worship with such skilful musical accompaniment.’

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DRAMA NEWS CONT.

HOUSE DRAMA COMPETITION

On Wednesday 19th October 2022, our House Drama Competition was held. The students were keen to be involved, with over 40 entries across monologue, duologue and musical theatre categories. Students from Years 7–13 competed throughout the day in age appropriate heats to be awarded a place in the Final the same evening.

The range of material presented was vast and we enjoyed everything from Shakespeare duologues to musical performances from the 2015 contemporary musical, ‘Waitress’. Prior to the competition, the competitors had the opportunity to attend a one-to-one coaching session with the Year 11 and 12 Drama Subject Ambassadors from their House, who gave the students advice on how to develop and refine their performance work.

My sincere thanks go to the Drama Subject Ambassadors for their time, commitment, and their excellent advice!

We were incredibly fortunate that Loveday Ingram, Theatre Director, Writer and Adapter was able to join us to adjudicate the event. She was delighted to witness the talent on offer at Abbey Gate College and was so impressed with the Musical Theatre solo category in particular, that she decided that all entries should be put through to the Final, for the audience to enjoy!

The quality of the performances in the Final were simply outstanding, and in many cases, work was presented which far exceeded the expectations of school students. The pupils should be proud of the way in which they approached their performances with maturity and sensitivity.

Well done to Hugo and Tess (Year 11) who were awarded a Special Commendation, James and Henry (Year 10) who were awarded the Duo prize, Olivia (Year 11) who was awarded the Acting prize, Fran (Year 13) who was awarded the Musical Theatre prize, Nellie (Year 13) who was awarded the Combined Prize as the runner up and the Overall Winner, Tina (Year 12). After adding up all of the points awarded throughout the day, Hastings came out on top as the victorious winners of the House Drama Cup! Miss K Anger (Head of Drama)

BLOOD BROTHERS - YEAR 11 GCSE DRAMA TRIP

At the start of the Autumn Term, Year 11 watched the outstanding performance of Blood Brothers written by Willy Russell, at the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent. Once we had grabbed our popcorn and took our seats, it wasn’t long until we were all fully immersed into the story of Mickey and Eddie, played Sean Jones and Jay Worley, and their tragic destiny.

The story begins with the dramatic foretelling of the fate of the twins separated just after birth through the foreboding storytelling of the Narrator, which is repeated throughout the play.

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The set is remarkably transformed throughout the play, from different neighbourhoods and spaces including classrooms, fields, streets, playgrounds, and a prison cell. Highlighting the importance of small changes of lighting, and props, to make a big difference in how the audience views the scene, which allowed us to extend our knowledge about theatrical conventions. (Cont. overleaf)

EXTERNAL ACHIEVEMENTS MIA’S ATHLETICS SUCCESS At the very end of the Summer Term, Mia W represented Cheshire in the English Schools Althletics Championships in Birmingham.

Mia competed in the 300m hurdles, finishing in 1st place.

Following this, Mia represented England in the SIAB international event in Belfast, where she finished with a silver medal.

This was a superb result for Mia and reflects all of her continued commitment, dedication, and practice alongside her GCSE commitments.

DAISY TAKES HER KICKBOXING TO THE NEXT LEVEL Year 10 pupil Daisy L tells us about her passion for kickboxing, both as an athlete and as a coach: ‘Kickboxing is much more than a sport to me. I first started kickboxing in May 2021 and I've become attached to the sport ever since.

When I joined Temple Martial Arts it changed my life forever, not only am I soon to grade for my black belt, but I am also now a coach. If there is one thing I enjoy more than kickboxing it's coaching! I've gained so much confidence, people skills and experience from it.

In May this year, I did a coaching course and received my qualifications. I now coach 3 different kids classes as well as attend my own classes. My coach, Adam, is the best mentor I could ever ask for, he is always supportive, enthusiastic and patient towards all his students.

I train mainly on Wednesdays and Sundays. On a Wednesday, I coach a kid's class then participate in an adults class and on a Sunday, I coach two kid's classes, participate in an adults class and then I do sparring.

One thing I've learnt from kickboxing is that it is not something you will be good at overnight. It takes practice, hard work and effort just to get to the first belt. I have learnt numerous things in the sport - from punching and kick to self-restraint and persistence.

It has helped me both in personality and body like making me more grounded and giving me a more hardworking attitude. When I initially began kickboxing I thought it was only going to be a fun activity yet it became more of a passion the higher belt I attained.

I never endeavoured to attempt to accomplish something previously.

Kickboxing has massively affected my life, improving me in all that I do.

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